Research groups in the Section of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry direct their research interests in several areas. Synthesis of new inorganic materials with a high specific surface area is carried out primarily by sol-gel reactions or by employing molecular building units with the aim of characterizing these materials and studying their application in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly in the conversion of ethanol and valorization of carbon dioxide. Electrospinning is used for the chemical synthesis of nano- and microfibers of metal silicates and oxides, which are then tested in catalysis. Polynuclear homo- and heterometallic phosphonate complexes of transition metals and lanthanides and coordination polymers are prepared for potentially interesting magnetic properties. The theoretical studies of metallic materials containing extended defects are conducted with the aim of describing their electronic structure and mechanical as well as magnetic properties. Theoretical methods are also used for the prediction of phase diagrams of nanoalloys. Thermal analysis and mass spectrometry are employed in studies of thermal effects, phase transformations, thermodynamic properties, and reaction kinetics. Other theoretical and experimental studies focus on nanoparticles of metals and their alloys and thermoelectric systems. Research group of conservation and restoration chemistry develops procedures, methods, and materials for the conservation and restoration of objects of cultural heritage. They employ LIBS, XRF, and ICP OES spectrometries for the analysis of historical artifacts.